Gender balance isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also good for business

Chris Parke, co-founder and chief executive, Talking Talent

It is only when we have an inclusive working culture where both women and men can make a full contribution that the benefits start to flow.

Organisations need to invest more time creating an inclusive culture that will support the growth in diversity, helping leaders and managers become more aware. That is how they can shift behaviours, values, language and, ultimately, culture.

Those organisations wanting to tick a box have done exactly that and will see little or even negative change – they will ultimately be left behind.

A good starting point is to get a critical mass of women into each leadership team. From there, organisations can create new, more inclusive and effective cultures.

But gender balance is not only about women. Gender balance and diversity are about ensuring that organisations have a combination of masculine and feminine approaches and solutions. This makes them more effective and more resilient.

Ignoring this issue will lead to higher rates of attrition and lower levels of engagement from those who feel they cannot succeed or are not valued.

About Talking Talent

Talking Talent sees itself as a partner that can successfully guide any organisation towards success. It does not provide “diversity in a box” – rather, it believes it is a trusted guide and coach, helping people through a long journey.

Culture does not stand still. Working with Talking Talent helps you to be accountable for moving culture in the right direction.